Inspiring environmental citizenship by the learning escape
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A workshop given by The Learning Escape at the Eco Schools show 2012. Covering Nature Deficit Disorder, Outdoor Learning and Environmental Citizenship. Educators from Whitchurch and Danesfield Manor Schools also talk about how their Learning Escapes have inspired Outdoor Learning and help to promote Environmental Citizenship.
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Inspiring environmental citizenship by the learning escape
- 1. Inspiring Environmental Citizenship Outdoor & Eco Learning Mark Brown AMRS, FRSA
- 2. The space we are in affects how we perform Larger windows = progress +15 % in mathematics progress +23 %in reading Heschong Mahone Group 21,000 students
- 3. The space we are in affects how we perform Natural views = higher test scores higher graduation rates more planning to attend college fewer reports of criminal behavior High school landscapes and student performance. Matsuoka, R. H. (2008). University of Michigan
- 4. But classroom spaces in the main haven’t evolved so much
- 5. But classroom spaces in the main haven’t evolved so much
- 6. But classroom spaces in the main haven’t evolved so much
- 7. 2012 But classroom spaces in the main haven’t evolved so much
- 9. Eco learning spaces can help educators tackle nature deficit disorder and environmental citizenship
- 10. „For a new generation, nature is more abstraction than reality. Increasingly, nature is something to watch, to consume, to wear – to ignore.‟ Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods.
- 11. Children in Britain How many hours watching TV per week? 17 hours How many hours online per week? 20 hours Ofcom October 2011
- 12. 11-15 year olds How many hours a day in front of a screen? 7.5 How much has that increased in the last 10 years? +40% Half their waking lives Ofcom October 2011
- 13. Since the 1970s, children’s ‘radius of unsupervised activity’ has declined by 90%. Gaster, S. (1991) ‘Urban Children’s Access to Their Neighbourhoods: Changes Over Three Generations’
- 14. Fewer than one in ten children regularly play in wild places; compared to almost half a generation ago. Natural England (2009) Childhood and Nature: a survey on changing relationships with nature across generations.
- 15. Children spend so little time outdoors that they are unfamiliar with one of our commonest wild creatures. National Trust survey 2008
- 16. What type of bird is this? A. Pigeon B. Jackdaw C. Magpie
- 17. What type of bird is this? A. Pigeon B. Jackdaw C. Magpie 30%
- 18. What type of insect is this? A. Hornet B. Wasp C. Bee
- 19. What type of insect is this? A. Hornet B. Wasp C. Bee
- 20. What type of insect is this? A. Hornet B. Wasp C. Bee 50%
- 21. What is this? A. Robot B. Dalek C. Toothbrush
- 22. What is this? A. Robot B. Dalek C. Toothbrush 90%
- 23. The effects on our children 3 in 10 children are overweight. Vitamin D deficiency rickets shortsightedness asthma Reduction in children’s physical ability 10% decline in cardiorespiratory fitness 1 in 10 have mental health disorder 1 in 12 adolescents are self-harming 35,000 children prescribed anti-depressants
- 24. “The less children play outdoors, the less they learn to cope with the risks and challenges they will go on to face as adults… Nothing can replace what children gain from the freedom and independence of thought they have when trying new things out in the open.” Tanya Byron, Hillsdon, M. (2009) Getting Kids Back to Nature, Tourism Insights.
- 25. “Even nature itself has become a commodity. Many believe they cannot experience it unless they are in a nature reserve, have the right pair of binoculars, or are wearing the correctly endorsed clothes… So often nature is seen as something to travel to – not something we are immersed in all the time and dependent upon for our physical, emotional and spiritual health”. Baker, N. (2009) Last of the pond-dippers, in Natural World magazine September 2009.
- 26. „I think children are born with an inherent love of the outdoors… but as parents we stop letting them have their freedom, and we work that love of nature out of them…‟ Kate Macrae Education Consultant and Teacher
- 27. „What we‟ve done is we‟ve put Nature over there – we‟ve put a fence around it and said „That‟s Nature‟ Dr William Bird Outdoor Nation Interview „Take only photographs, leave only footprints…‟
- 28. Outdoor Learning
- 29. “Natural places are singularly engaging, stimulating, life-enhancing environments where children can reach new depths of understanding about themselves, their abilities and their relationship with the world around them.” Tim Gill, ‘Now for free-range childhood’
- 30. Psychologist Aric Sigman: the ‘countryside effect’ Children exposed to nature scored higher on concentration and self-discipline improved awareness, reasoning and observational skills better reading, writing, maths, science & social studies were better at working in teams showed improved behaviour overall. Sigman, A. (2007) Agricultural Literacy: Giving concrete children food for thought
- 31. Contact with nature reduces the impact of ADD Symptoms more manageable after activities in green settings than after activities in other settings The greener a child’s everyday environment, the more manageable their symptoms will be. Taylor, Andrea Faber; Frances E. Kuo; and William C. Sullivan. In Environment and Behavior, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- 33. During a ‘direct nature experience program’ participants had a significant increase in environmental knowledge and attitudes Duerden, M. D., & Witt, P. A. (2010). The impact of direct and indirect experiences on the development of environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behavior.
- 34. The critical age of influence appears to be before 12 years. Before this age contact with nature in all its forms, but in particular wild nature, appears to strongly influence a positive behaviour towards the environment. William Bird for the RSPB, Natural Thinking
- 35. If we are going to save environmentalism and the environment, we must also save an endangered species: the child in nature Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods
- 36. Children do want to learn about environmental citizenship 82% agreed learning about green issues as important science (35%), IT (36%) art (37%) 66% want to learn more about wildlife and nature 62% want to learn about green issues 96% were worried about people damaging the planet The Co-operative Green Schools initiative 2011 1027 7-14 year olds
- 37. Children do want to learn about environmental citizenship How many children here influence their parents' green behaviour? 64% The Co-operative Green Schools initiative 2011 1027 7-14 year olds
- 38. Opportunity for Schools and Early Years settings Outdoor Learning in a safe environment to promote Environmental Citizenship
- 39. Research suggests help & ideas are needed How much of the school day do you spend outside? 25% How much of that is spent learning? 10% How many headteachers didn’t know? 14% How many schools used a shelter for outside teaching? 55%
- 40. Research suggests help & ideas are needed 88% agreed ‘the promotion of environmental best practice, using outdoor learning, was a key area of underperformance’ Only 33% prioritised this for development 42% don’t know the time that children were learning about environmental citizenship What are the biggest barriers to successful development of Environmental Citizenship? Lack of funding 26% Need to cover other curriculum areas 45% Lack of staff understanding/training 39%
- 41. What we have heard at The Learning Escape
- 42. The eco-friendly building has encouraged even our youngest children to be more aware of their environment and the importance of looking after it. Molly Ball Dickleburgh Pre-School Chairman
- 43. Both children and staff have really enjoyed working in this lovely new classroom, with easy access to the outdoors for play. The children are fascinated with the pools of light from the sun pipes and have appreciated the beautiful views across the fields through the seasons. A welcome bonus is that we have saved significantly on energy costs! Sue Dubois Head teacher Hindringham
- 44. We now have a creative learning space which offers the children wonderful opportunities to compliment our creative curriculum. The children are inspired by working in the outdoors and we've seen a great improvement in their creativity. Marianne Baker Head teacher Dodford
- 45. Eco Learning Educators talk about how Eco Learning spaces inspire Outdoor Learning and promote Environmental Citizenship View on YouTube http://youtu.be/dnBEHxVGUhQ
- 46. „How can our children learn to care about their futures?‟
- 47. Outdoor Learning Outdoor Learning helps teamwork moral reasoning social interaction conflict resolution risk-assessment negotiation. Integrating environmental education can instill ‘care for the future’ as a part of their role as a responsible citizen.
- 48. Making a Difference Lead by example Take the curriculum outdoors Get children involved Encourage them to ‘pass it on’ Support a scheme like Eco-Schools Reward good environmental citizenship Consider how you bridge the gap from in to out Consider your classrooms and buildings
- 49. Designing to promote Environmental Citizenship Minimise barriers between inside and out Large full height windows and doors Harness the sun; sun pipes, water. electricity. AA rated appliances & smart meters Generous ceiling heights for low C02 Covered canopies for free flow Natural materials, recycled insulation Away from the main school so it’s a special place Simple small Eco learning spaces can kick start
Notes de l'éditeur
- In a study of over 21,000 students, controlled for socioeconomic status (SES), inCalifornia, Washington, and Colorado, the HeschongMahone Group (1999) foundthat students with the most day lighting in their classrooms progressed 20 percentfaster on mathematics and 26 percent faster on reading tests over a period of oneyear than students having less daylight in their classrooms. Similarly, students in385classrooms having larger window areas were found to progress 15 percent faster inmathematics and 23 percent faster in reading than students in classrooms havingsmaller windows. Day lighting, provided from skylights, distinct from all the otherattributes associated with windows, had a positive effect (p. 62). Windows are themost common spaces bringing natural light into the learning environment andinvite the outdoors inside.
- Natural views from high school positively impact students’ academic achievement and behavior Matsuoka examined the relationship between views of nature and high school students’ academic achievement and behavior. To investigate this relationship, he inventoried the landscape features of 101 high school campuses in southeastern Michigan and assessed student access to these features via building characteristics and school policies (e.g., through window size and the ability to eat lunch outdoors). Matsuoka also gathered information about each school’s student academic achievement and conduct (e.g., the percentage of merit award winners and graduation rates). In analyzing the data, he found that landscape and access characteristics were significantly associated with student academic achievement and behavior. For example, Matsuoka found that schools with larger windows and more views of natural elements had students with higher standardized test scores, higher graduation rates, and a greater percentage of students planning to attend college, as well as fewer reports of criminal behavior. He also found that schools that allowed students to eat outside or off campus had higher test scores and a greater percentage of students planning to attend college. In examining specific landscape features, Matsuoka found that trees and shrubs needed to be relatively close to the students to provide academic achievement and behavior benefits. Importantly, Matsuoka controlled for a number of socio-demographic and general school characteristics in his analyses. While this study may be limited due to its cross-sectional design and focus on school-level information, it provides valuable insight into the benefits of natural views to high school students with implications for school design and policy.Author Affiliation: Matsuoka is with the University of Michigan.Matsuoka, R. H. (2008). High school landscapes and student performance. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. This study is available online at: http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/61641 (Volume 4)
- On average, Britain’s children watch more than 17 hours of television a week: that’s almost two-and-a-half hours per day, every single day of the year. Despite the rival attractions of the Internet, this is up by 12% since 2007.British children are also spending more than 20 hours a week online, mostly on social networking sites.As children grow older, their ‘electronic addictions’ increase. Britain’s 11–15-year-olds spend about half their waking lives in front of a screen: 7.5 hours a day, an increase of 40% in a decade.OFCOM October 2011: reported in Guardian 25 October 2011. www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/oct/25/teenagers-lose-tv-internet-mobileInstitute for Public Policy Research, March 2008 www.ippr.org/pressreleases/111/2598/a-generation-of-youth-are-being-raised-onlineSigman, A. (2007) ‘Visual voodoo: the biological impact of watching television’. Biologist 54 (I) 12-17; BMRB International (British Market Research Bureaux). (2004) ‘Increasing Screen Time is Leading to Inactivity of 11-15s’. Youth TGI Study. Both quoted in Sigman, A. (2007) Agricultural Literacy: Giving concrete children food for thought. www.face-online.org.uk/resources/news/Agricultural%20Literacy.pdf
- ‘In a single generation since the 1970s, children’s ‘radius of activity’ – the area around their home where they are allowed to roam unsupervised – has declined by almost 90%. In 1971, 80% of seven- and eight-year-olds walked to school, often alone or with their friends, whereas two decades later fewer than 10% did so – almost all accompanied by their parents.’, quoted in Louv, R. (2005) Last Child in the Woods, p.123Hillman, M., Adams, J., and Whitelegg, J. One False Move: A Study of Children’s Independent Mobility. London: Policy Studies Institute, 1990.
- Fewer than a quarter of children regularly use their local ‘patch of nature’, compared to over half of all adults when they were children.Fewer than one in ten children regularly play in wild places; compared to almost half a generation ago. Children spend so little time outdoors that they are unfamiliar with one of our commonest wild creatures. According to a 2008 National Trust survey, one in three could not identify a magpie; half could not tell the difference between a bee and a wasp; yet nine out of ten could recognise a Dalek. Natural England (2009) Childhood and Nature: a survey on changing relationships with nature across generations. www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/Childhood%20and%20Nature%20Survey_tcm6-10515.pdfNatural England (2009) Childhood and Nature: a survey on changing relationships with nature across generations. www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/Childhood%20 and%20Nature%20Survey_tcm6-10515.pdfNational Trust (2008) Wildlife alien to indoor children. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/what-we-do/news/archive/view-page/item737221/
- According to a 2008 National Trust survey, one in three could not identify a magpie; half could not tell the difference between a bee and a wasp; yet nine out of ten could recognise a Dalek.
- According to a 2008 National Trust survey, one in three could not identify a magpie; half could not tell the difference between a bee and a wasp; yet nine out of ten could recognise a Dalek.
- According to a 2008 National Trust survey, one in three could not identify a magpie; half could not tell the difference between a bee and a wasp; yet nine out of ten could recognise a Dalek.
- So, what effect is this massive shift having on our children? Around three in ten children in England aged between two and 15 are either overweight or obese. The proportion classified as obese increased dramatically from 1995 to 2008: rising from 11% to almost 17% in boys, and from 12% to 15% in girls. If current trends continue, by 2050 more than half of all adults and a quarter of all children will be obese. Other physical health problems on the increase include vitamin D deficiency, leading to a major rise in the childhood disease rickets; shortsightedness; and asthma. There has also been a reduction in children’s ability to do physical tasks such as sit-ups, producing ‘a generation of weaklings’; and a major decline in children’s cardiorespiratory (heart and lung) fitness, of almost 10% in just one decade. But it goes further than just the physical effects:One in ten children aged between five and 16 have a clinically diagnosed mental health disorder.One in 12 adolescents are self-harming. About 35,000 children in England are being prescribed anti-depressants. Health Survey for England 2008: Physical Activity and Fitness – Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, 2009. www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/hse08physicalactivity Quoted in Statistics on obesity, physical activity and diet: England 2010, NHS 2010. www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/publications/opad10/Statistics_on_Obesity_Physical_Activity_and_Diet_England_2010.pdfHealth Survey for England 2008: Physical Activity and Fitness – Volume 1. The NHS Information Centre, 2009. www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/hse08physicalactivity Quoted in Statistics on obesity, physical activity and diet: England 2010, NHS 2010. www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/publications/opad10/Statistics_on_Obesity_Physical_Activity_and_Diet_England_2010.pdfForesight – Tackling Obesities: Future Choices (2007) www.bis.gov.uk/foresight/our-work/projects/published-projects/tackling-obesities/reports-andpublicationsDavies, Justin H., Reed, Joseph M., Blake, Elizabeth, Priesemann, Max, Jackson, Alan A. and Clarke, Nicholas M.P. (2011) Epidemiology of vitamin D deficiency in children presenting to a pediatric orthopaedic service in the UK. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 31, (7), 798-802 – reported on BBC News website 4 February 2011 www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12357382See BBC News website 25 October 2011 www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15427954Glasgow University study, 2009; see BBC News website 3 March 2009 www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7918576.stmActaPaediatrica (2011), see Guardian 21 May 2011 www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/may/21/children-weaker-computers-replace-activityEssex University study; see Guardian 22 December 2009 www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/dec/22/childrens-fitness-declining-acrossworldOffice of National Statistics: Mental health of children and young people in Great Britain, 2004. www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/publications/mentalhealth04/MentalHealthChildrenYoungPeopleSummary310805_PDF.pdf See also: Mental Health Foundation www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/mental-healthstatistics/children-young-people/The Lancet, Vol. 379, Issue 9812, pp.236–243 (2012) The natural history of selfharm from adolescence to young adulthood: a population-based cohort study. www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(11)61141-0/abstractChief Medical Officer (2004) At Least 5 a week: Evidence on the impact of physical activity and its relationship to health. A Report from the Chief Medical Officer HMSO April 2004. www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4080994] Quoted in Bird, W. (2007) Natural Thinking. RSPB.
- “The less children play outdoors, the less they learn to cope with the risks and challenges they will go on to face as adults… Nothing can replace what children gain from the freedom and independence of thought they have when trying new things out in the open.”Byron, Tanya, quoted in Hillsdon, M. (2009) Getting Kids Back to Nature, Tourism Insights. www.insights.org.uk/articleitem.aspx?title=Getting%20Kids%20Back%20to%20Nature
- Natural settings provide psychological benefits“Coping with ADD: The Surprising Connection to Green Play Settings,” by Andrea Faber Taylor; Frances E. Kuo; and William C. Sullivan (2001) is one of the earliest studies to explore the potential for contact with nature to have a positive effect in reducing the impact of attention deficit disorder in children. The study was designed to test two hypotheses: 1) Attention deficit symptoms will be more manageable after activities in green settings than after activities in other settings; and 2) The greener a child’s everyday environment, the more manageable their attention deficit symptoms will be in general. The results were positive. (Original Research)Taylor, Andrea Faber; Frances E. Kuo; and William C. Sullivan. In Environment and Behavior, Vol. 33, No. 1, January 2001. © 2001 Sage Publications, Inc. Available on the web site of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. http://www.lhhl.uiuc.edu/ (Volume 1)
- Direct nature experiences are important for changing environmental attitudes & behaviorMany environmental education programs strive to positively influence children’s environmental behavior, however, we currently know very little about program elements and experiences that lead to changes in environmental behavior. In this study, Duerden and colleagues investigated the relationship between indirect and direct nature experiences and children’s environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Researchers used surveys, focus groups, and observations to evaluate the experiences of 108 middle and high school students that participated in an international immersion environmental education program, which included a preparatory program (indirect nature experience), a 7-14 day international field workshop (direct nature experience), and a post-trip service project. Duerden and colleagues surveyed participants at multiple stages in the program, as well as a comparison group of 49 middle and high school students who did not participate in the program. In analyzing the data, researchers found that program participants had a significant increase in environmental knowledge as compared to the comparison group. In examining the impact of different program components, Duerden and colleagues found that during the indirect nature experience (i.e., the preparatory program) children’s environmental knowledge increased more than their environmental attitudes and environmental attitudes had a stronger impact on children’s environmental behavior, while during the direct nature experience (i.e., the international workshop) both children’s environmental knowledge and attitudes developed rather equally and both environmental knowledge and attitudes were related to environmental behavior. In addition, researchers discovered that while children’s indirect experiences led to enhanced environmental knowledge, it was their direct experiences that led to attitude and behavior development. Interestingly, Duerden and colleagues found that the nature of children’s direct experience was vital to the impact it had on children. For example, researchers discovered that children perceived experiences to be more direct if they were afforded freedom and autonomy during the experience.While this study may be limited due to its small sample size, reliance on self-report data, and environmental program variability, the researchers’ study design and mix of methods provides an important contribution to the literature. In concluding their article, Duerden and colleagues highlight program implications from their research, as well as future research needs.Author Affiliation: Mat Duerden is with Texas A&M University.Duerden, M. D., & Witt, P. A. (2010). The impact of direct and indirect experiences on the development of environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Journal of Environmental Psychology(April 3). This article may be available in a library near you or can be purchased online through the publisher at: http://www.elsevier.com/ (Volume 5)
- The good news is that children want to learn about environmental citizenship. The Co-operative Green Schools initiative, launched in 2011, released data that demonstrated that there was a willingness to learn – something we must surely leap on and support. The survey of 1,027 youngsters aged seven to 14 revealed that 82% of children rated learning about green issues as important, putting it ahead of science, history, IT and art, and only slightly behind English and maths. Two-thirds want to learn more about wildlife and nature, almost as many (62%) want to learn about green issues, and almost half (47%) want to learn more about where food comes from. This compares with just 37% who want to learn more about art, 36% for IT and 35% for science, the survey found. Almost all the children (96%) were either very or a little bit worried about people damaging the planet, and almost as many (93%) said they recycled, while 85% turn off the tap when they brush their teeth and three-quarters (77%) turn off lights and appliances. Almost two-thirds (64%) say they have an influence on their parents' green behaviour and a poll of 1,002 adults who have children aged seven to 14 suggests the children are right. Importantly, when considering legacy, six out of 10 parents say their children could persuade them to be greener. http://www.co-operative.coop/green-schools-revolution/http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/sep/20/children-learn-environment-co-operative
- The good news is that children want to learn about environmental citizenship. The Co-operative Green Schools initiative, launched in 2011, released data that demonstrated that there was a willingness to learn – something we must surely leap on and support. The survey of 1,027 youngsters aged seven to 14 revealed that 82% of children rated learning about green issues as important, putting it ahead of science, history, IT and art, and only slightly behind English and maths. Two-thirds want to learn more about wildlife and nature, almost as many (62%) want to learn about green issues, and almost half (47%) want to learn more about where food comes from. This compares with just 37% who want to learn more about art, 36% for IT and 35% for science, the survey found. Almost all the children (96%) were either very or a little bit worried about people damaging the planet, and almost as many (93%) said they recycled, while 85% turn off the tap when they brush their teeth and three-quarters (77%) turn off lights and appliances. Almost two-thirds (64%) say they have an influence on their parents' green behaviour and a poll of 1,002 adults who have children aged seven to 14 suggests the children are right. Importantly, when considering legacy, six out of 10 parents say their children could persuade them to be greener. http://www.co-operative.coop/green-schools-revolution/http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/sep/20/children-learn-environment-co-operative
- In June 2012 an online survey was conducted by The Learning Escape to investigate perception of the current level of Environmental Citizenship development within UK Primary Schools and Early Years settings, as well as the barriers to successful development. Headteachers and Setting Managers were emailed a survey for completion. Of these, 35% were from a rural or village setting and the remainder from a town or inner-city environment. The headline results are set out below.The survey first set out to understand the amount time, during the school day, that children are spending outside. A staggering 14% of Headteachers were unable to say, saying that they ‘didn’t know’. The largest group (45%) said that children spent between 11 and 25% of their day outside, with the next largest group (43%) saying that they spent between 25 and 50% of their day outside, on average. Interestingly, the survey found that there was a dramatic tail off of time spent outside over the three years from Reception through to KS2. In the majority of cases this was reduced from 75-80% of the school day spent outside, in Reception, through to as little as 15% (in some cases) by KS2.This drop off from Reception to KS2 was echoed when the survey investigated the split of this time spent outside, between ‘play time’, ‘lesson time’ and ‘waiting for parents’. Even more dramatically, those teaching EYFS spent on average 80% of lesson time outside yet, by KS2, this was down to under 10% of lesson time.In the majority of cases children spent no more than 25% of their school day outside for play purposes and under 10% for learning purposes. Alarmingly, 6% of them spent between 11 and 25% of their time standing outside, at the end of the day, waiting for parents to collect them from school.Across the board, staff identified the benefits of both outdoor play and learning for development in the following areas: combatting bullying; fighting childhood obesity; working with children with ADHD; working with children with SEN; development of citizenship skills; development of teamworking skills; curriculum learning; learning about environmental issues; promotion of environmental best practice. Importantly, for the purposes of this report, the largest group (over 88%) felt that the promotion of environmental best practice, using the outdoor learning, was a key area of underperformance, yet only 33% prioritised this for development at their school or setting.When asked about the outdoor environment in which schools and early years settings taught, the number that didn’t use specific equipment/areas tells us more about the opportunity for development of Environmental Citizenship skills. Whilst it may not be surprising that only 25% had a dedicated eco-classroom, 45% did not use any form of shelter outside for teaching. Of those remaining, a staggering 41% did not even use their playground space for outdoor learning. 11% stated categorically that they ‘did not teach outdoors’. This has great implications, as the research thus far, has shown, for Environmental Citizenship and understanding.It would seem that understanding of outdoor space plays a big part in this. 19% stated that they simply ‘didn’t know’ how much outdoor space they had at their school or setting, with 11% of those surveyed stating that they didn’t know how much of it they were allowed to use for outdoor learning and development. Nearly 50% of those surveyed cited the ‘need to develop space’ as the reason for under-use, with 30% saying that the weather (and suitable facilities) restricted outdoor learning. 44% said that they would like an outdoor classroom/eco-classroom but funding restrictions prevented it.The survey then moved on to discuss the existing environmental schemes for schools and settings to join. 71% of those surveyed had registered for the Eco-School scheme with 44% still working on the first (Bronze) level. 66% had an Eco-Committee with almost half having also completed an Environmental Review. 5% did not know what an Environmental Review was. Over half had an Environmental Action Plan for their school/setting and, again, 5% did not know what this was. Over 52% had joined the ‘Love Where You Live’ campaign, yet almost all of the remaining people surveyed did not know what this was.Turning to learning techniques, we asked those surveyed the age at which they started Environmental Citizenship learning. Encouragingly 79% said this started at the Early Years stage. Worryingly a further 10% stated that this did not start until KS3.91% of those surveyed said that their approach to Environmental Citizenship was to include references within relevant lesson plans. Only 45% ran specifically focused campaigns but 69% provided focused lessons, from time to time.Leading by example was key, for schools and settings, with 91% having recycling bins throughout the site, as well as dedicated outdoor space for growing vegetables. Many ran ‘walk to school’ campaigns as well as having space set aside for learning about mini-beasts, the weather and water awareness. One school listed their schools farm, as a current project, with another proudly announcing that they had reduced their energy bills by 75% over the last five years.Although there appears to be much being done towards Environmental Citizenship learning, it was when the survey focused on specific barriers that the areas for development became apparent. Over 42% of those surveyed were unable to estimate the percentage of the school day that children were exposed to direct or indirect learning about environmental citizenship. Over the past ten years, those surveyed felt that the amount of time spent on the topic has stayed relatively constant (between 32 and 45% of the time), with 29% feeling that there has not been any improvement in learning time dedicated to this field. When asked about the ‘secret to success’, those surveyed listed the following elements: having a whole school approach, ownership by the children, having an action plan, integration within the curriculum, having more time, the children having a voice, passion by staff, having experience of learning in this area, the inclusion of all stakeholders, the opportunity for children to interact at first hand with real-life examples.When asked about the biggest barriers to successful development of Environmental Citizenship, unsurprisingly, ‘Lack of funding’ featured highly (26%). However, the biggest barriers mentioned were the ‘pressure to cover other curriculum areas’ (45%) and ‘lack of staff understanding/training’ (39%). Surprisingly, ‘poor facilities’ came very low down the list (only 11%), with ‘lack of home support’ being listed by 16%.Interestingly, however, when asked what they needed to ‘solve the problem’, the majority of schools/settings said that they needed ‘more money’ (53%) with ‘staff training’ close behind (42%). ‘Support from the Government on curriculum matters’ came low down at only 11% and ‘parental support’ was only 3%. The answers to these last two questions, when viewed within the context of the wider survey, suggest that there are two key areas for improvement:1. First, we need to work with schools and settings to demonstrate and train on ways to integrate the topic more pro-actively within the existing curriculum topics. 2. Second, we need to show them how they can work with what they have to make the most of existing equipment and outdoor space and lead through example, involving children at each stage. A part of this process can then be identifying areas for improvement and support with fundraising for projects.Whilst funding is clearly a consideration, the survey seems to suggest that it is a lack of understanding as to how to integrate Environmental Citizenship within the school day, whilst consistently encouraging ‘outdoor time’ for children in greater quantities, that is the greatest barrier to change. If staff can be shown how to include outdoor time within curriculum learning then this will lead them to make more informed choices about facility development needs and priorities. Importantly, and perhaps first, staff need to be encouraged to understand more about their outdoor space and the ways in which they should be encouraging their children to ‘get outside and use it’.
- In June 2012 an online survey was conducted by The Learning Escape to investigate perception of the current level of Environmental Citizenship development within UK Primary Schools and Early Years settings, as well as the barriers to successful development. Headteachers and Setting Managers were emailed a survey for completion. Of these, 35% were from a rural or village setting and the remainder from a town or inner-city environment. The headline results are set out below.The survey first set out to understand the amount time, during the school day, that children are spending outside. A staggering 14% of Headteachers were unable to say, saying that they ‘didn’t know’. The largest group (45%) said that children spent between 11 and 25% of their day outside, with the next largest group (43%) saying that they spent between 25 and 50% of their day outside, on average. Interestingly, the survey found that there was a dramatic tail off of time spent outside over the three years from Reception through to KS2. In the majority of cases this was reduced from 75-80% of the school day spent outside, in Reception, through to as little as 15% (in some cases) by KS2.This drop off from Reception to KS2 was echoed when the survey investigated the split of this time spent outside, between ‘play time’, ‘lesson time’ and ‘waiting for parents’. Even more dramatically, those teaching EYFS spent on average 80% of lesson time outside yet, by KS2, this was down to under 10% of lesson time.In the majority of cases children spent no more than 25% of their school day outside for play purposes and under 10% for learning purposes. Alarmingly, 6% of them spent between 11 and 25% of their time standing outside, at the end of the day, waiting for parents to collect them from school.Across the board, staff identified the benefits of both outdoor play and learning for development in the following areas: combatting bullying; fighting childhood obesity; working with children with ADHD; working with children with SEN; development of citizenship skills; development of teamworking skills; curriculum learning; learning about environmental issues; promotion of environmental best practice. Importantly, for the purposes of this report, the largest group (over 88%) felt that the promotion of environmental best practice, using the outdoor learning, was a key area of underperformance, yet only 33% prioritised this for development at their school or setting.When asked about the outdoor environment in which schools and early years settings taught, the number that didn’t use specific equipment/areas tells us more about the opportunity for development of Environmental Citizenship skills. Whilst it may not be surprising that only 25% had a dedicated eco-classroom, 45% did not use any form of shelter outside for teaching. Of those remaining, a staggering 41% did not even use their playground space for outdoor learning. 11% stated categorically that they ‘did not teach outdoors’. This has great implications, as the research thus far, has shown, for Environmental Citizenship and understanding.It would seem that understanding of outdoor space plays a big part in this. 19% stated that they simply ‘didn’t know’ how much outdoor space they had at their school or setting, with 11% of those surveyed stating that they didn’t know how much of it they were allowed to use for outdoor learning and development. Nearly 50% of those surveyed cited the ‘need to develop space’ as the reason for under-use, with 30% saying that the weather (and suitable facilities) restricted outdoor learning. 44% said that they would like an outdoor classroom/eco-classroom but funding restrictions prevented it.The survey then moved on to discuss the existing environmental schemes for schools and settings to join. 71% of those surveyed had registered for the Eco-School scheme with 44% still working on the first (Bronze) level. 66% had an Eco-Committee with almost half having also completed an Environmental Review. 5% did not know what an Environmental Review was. Over half had an Environmental Action Plan for their school/setting and, again, 5% did not know what this was. Over 52% had joined the ‘Love Where You Live’ campaign, yet almost all of the remaining people surveyed did not know what this was.Turning to learning techniques, we asked those surveyed the age at which they started Environmental Citizenship learning. Encouragingly 79% said this started at the Early Years stage. Worryingly a further 10% stated that this did not start until KS3.91% of those surveyed said that their approach to Environmental Citizenship was to include references within relevant lesson plans. Only 45% ran specifically focused campaigns but 69% provided focused lessons, from time to time.Leading by example was key, for schools and settings, with 91% having recycling bins throughout the site, as well as dedicated outdoor space for growing vegetables. Many ran ‘walk to school’ campaigns as well as having space set aside for learning about mini-beasts, the weather and water awareness. One school listed their schools farm, as a current project, with another proudly announcing that they had reduced their energy bills by 75% over the last five years.Although there appears to be much being done towards Environmental Citizenship learning, it was when the survey focused on specific barriers that the areas for development became apparent. Over 42% of those surveyed were unable to estimate the percentage of the school day that children were exposed to direct or indirect learning about environmental citizenship. Over the past ten years, those surveyed felt that the amount of time spent on the topic has stayed relatively constant (between 32 and 45% of the time), with 29% feeling that there has not been any improvement in learning time dedicated to this field. When asked about the ‘secret to success’, those surveyed listed the following elements: having a whole school approach, ownership by the children, having an action plan, integration within the curriculum, having more time, the children having a voice, passion by staff, having experience of learning in this area, the inclusion of all stakeholders, the opportunity for children to interact at first hand with real-life examples.When asked about the biggest barriers to successful development of Environmental Citizenship, unsurprisingly, ‘Lack of funding’ featured highly (26%). However, the biggest barriers mentioned were the ‘pressure to cover other curriculum areas’ (45%) and ‘lack of staff understanding/training’ (39%). Surprisingly, ‘poor facilities’ came very low down the list (only 11%), with ‘lack of home support’ being listed by 16%.Interestingly, however, when asked what they needed to ‘solve the problem’, the majority of schools/settings said that they needed ‘more money’ (53%) with ‘staff training’ close behind (42%). ‘Support from the Government on curriculum matters’ came low down at only 11% and ‘parental support’ was only 3%. The answers to these last two questions, when viewed within the context of the wider survey, suggest that there are two key areas for improvement:1. First, we need to work with schools and settings to demonstrate and train on ways to integrate the topic more pro-actively within the existing curriculum topics. 2. Second, we need to show them how they can work with what they have to make the most of existing equipment and outdoor space and lead through example, involving children at each stage. A part of this process can then be identifying areas for improvement and support with fundraising for projects.Whilst funding is clearly a consideration, the survey seems to suggest that it is a lack of understanding as to how to integrate Environmental Citizenship within the school day, whilst consistently encouraging ‘outdoor time’ for children in greater quantities, that is the greatest barrier to change. If staff can be shown how to include outdoor time within curriculum learning then this will lead them to make more informed choices about facility development needs and priorities. Importantly, and perhaps first, staff need to be encouraged to understand more about their outdoor space and the ways in which they should be encouraging their children to ‘get outside and use it’.
- 1. Lead by example: The most important thing is that Schools and Early Years settings lead by example. That means practicing what you preach and setting up recycling programmes, supporting Walk to School week and encouraging healthy, sustainable eating at lunchtime. As has already been established, children learn by the example set by teachers. To best engender a sense of environmental citizenship you must first set the best example. 2. Take the curriculum outdoors: Environmental Citizenship is best communicated as a part of (rather than instead of) curriculum learning. Consider ways to use the natural environment to teach curriculum subjects – the best examples come from nature and help children to understand application, as well as theory. By planning lessons with practical, outdoor activities you can get the best of both worlds (natural interaction and curriculum learning) without the need to ‘find extra time’ for Environmental Citizenship learning.3. Use examples and get children involved: Don’t just tell the children about the water-cycle, get them to plan a garden and set up experiments to measure water levels. See how mini-beasts interact with plants and get children involved in making compost. If you’re planning an eco-classroom, get the children involved in the design and planning process. 4. Encourage them to ‘pass it on’: As the Co-operative report demonstrates, parents feel that they have much to learn on the subject too. Consider putting together a fact-sheet for parents on the subjects you’re covering, to help them carry on the learning at home. 5. Support a scheme like Eco-Schools: Eco-Schools is an international award programme that guides schools on their sustainable journey, providing a framework to help embed these principles into the heart of school life. There is a framework to work through, rewarding best practice, as well as teaching and learning resources to help you on your journey.6. Reward good environmental citizenship: Saying well done to children that play an active role helps them to see the benefits of good environmental citizenship. Consider introducing competitions and campaigns that create a focus on particular areas, as well as day-to-day learning. Make environmental citizenship fun!7. Consider how you bridge the gap: Taking an ‘either or’ approach is never going to solve the problem we face. Whilst there is much Schools and Early Years settings can do to engage their children with nature outdoors, there is also much they can think about in terms of how to bridge the gap between the indoor classroom and the playground. Think about where you teach – does it need to be indoors or could you use an outdoor space? Can you structure lessons to involve both indoors and outdoors? Can you encourage play in specific areas to carry on the learning experience? 8. Consider your classrooms and buildings: When considering a building project, leading by example is, again, key. Rather than instantly plumping for a portakabin, why not consider an eco-classroom that uses the best, sustainable materials? Think about positioning and design to allow it to bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors. If you’re having a new library, why not build it from wood with bi-fold doors so children can enjoy reading outdoors? Or consider a science building that enables children to run experiments both inside and outside.
- Minimising the barriers between inside and out to maximise the feeling of being part of nature and the good environmental citizenship that this will develop. Build your eco-classroom slightly detached from the main school. This heightens the feeling that children are in a special place. Large full height windows and doors allow both the physical flow of children from inside to out as well as letting the natural world be viewed from inside. Natural light and sunshine is essential to how we all feel. Sun pipes bring controlled bright light inside to replicate daylight and lower energy useUse smart lighting in conjunction with good day lighting to minimise energy use. The building tells its occupants when they need extra light to help them learn.Where possible use technologies that harness the power of the sun to heat water or generate electricity. Ensure all energy using appliance are AA rated to minimise energy use & where possible have a smart meter to show how the use of the building by occupants can be effected as part of the learning experience. Have generous ceiling heights and good fresh air supply to ensure that C02 levels are kept to a minimum to keeps young minds alert.Covered canopies adjacent to glazed screens and doors provide a sheltered environment to continue outdoor learning. Design with natural materials wherever possible and minimise the requirement for high embodied energy products such as steel and concrete. Provide a safe warm light and airy environment from which children can learn that is not detached from nature. Every element of the building designed for outdoor learning should be part of the education experience from the recycled insulation that keeps the building warm to the percussion taps that use the minimal amount of water.